78th IB gets new commander

CEBU, Philippines – After over three years, Lt. Col. Raymund Bañares stepped out as the longest-serving commander of the 78th Infantry Battalion yesterday.

Replacing Bañares is Lt. Col. Nolasco Mempin, executive officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade.

After a week's rest, Bañares will sit as commander of the 7th Regional Community Defense Group of the Army Reserve Command.

A turnover ceremony was held yesterday morning at the headquarters of the 78th IB in Barangay Nangka, Balamban town presided by Major Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, commander of the 8th Infantry Division where the 802nd IB falls.

Bañares served as the 13th commander of the battalion for three years, five months and 19 days to be exact, the longest so far in the history of 78th IB. In an interview with The FREEMAN, Bañares said the positive feedback and continuous support of the province on his service and the accomplishments under his leadership were the main reasons for his long stay as battalion head.

"Our accomplishments will speak for itself why we were able to clear Cebu province from the local terrorist group the soonest possible time without firing a single bullet nor a single shed of blood, the acme of winning without fighting," Bañares in his speech could not help but become emotional on his departure.

"I feel very happy because I have realized my aspiration of improving the capability of this unit and providing the command what we do not have before. That is my greatest legacy to the team 78 and team 8ID and I am very proud to be part of it. On the other hand, I feel sad because I will be missing your company and happy moments that we shared together," he added.

He also offered his warmest congratulations to Mempin. "I wish you success in your new endeavor and I urge you to pursue the realization of a true warrior's vision that we have initiated. The systems are already in place, maintain it, improve it: we are on the road to our vision," he told his successor.   Mempin, who acknowledged the accomplishment of Bañares, thanked the latter for "leading and managing the unit so well towards the accomplishment of its mandated mission."

"His (Bañares') leadership competence has brought the unit into greater heights of its accomplishments which I am challenged to be at par if not surpassed," Mempin said.

The simple ceremony was attended by Asturias mayor Allan Adlawan, 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Alan Luga, other military and government officials. (THE FREEMAN)